Post Number: 1569
Hello my gorgeous fellow tutu-wearers! It’s Emma, your pink-obsessed, leotard-loving time traveler from the Derbyshire hills, bringing you another slice of history through the glittering lens of leotard fashion! This month, I'm whizzing back to the 9th of September, 1989. The air crackled with 80s vibes, synth-pop blasted from every radio, and… well, let’s just say that the world of leotard fashion was on a glorious, leg-warmer-clad roller coaster ride!
Time Traveling in My Sparkly Pink Suit:
To start, let’s talk about my outfit for this little jaunt through time. Now, we all know I’m a big believer in expressing yourself through leotard fashion, and what could be more fabulous than a pink, sequin-encrusted leotard that magically whisks you through time? I popped on my trusty pair of leg warmers, tied a pink ribbon around my bun (no hairspray in these days - gasp!), and felt my trusty time-travelling pink leotard tingle with anticipation. The journey was smooth, just like a perfectly executed pirouette.
Leotard Trends of the Era:
This September in 1989, leotard fashion was vibrant, daring, and oozing with the neon spirit of the 80s. Think bright colours, geometric prints, and a whole lotta lycra! Body-hugging styles were all the rage, with daring cuts, high necklines, and low backs, making the most of that sculpted dancer physique! But don't think this was all about plain lycra! Let's talk ruffles, shall we? They were big - giant, flamboyant ruffles - making their presence known in every leotard style imaginable. It was all about showing off the dancer's silhouette, and these ruffles were the ultimate form of expression!
Street Style and Performance:
Imagine the energy! Picture streets filled with people sporting neon leggings, ripped denim jackets, and - of course - a healthy dose of leg warmers. Street style in 1989 was an explosion of colour, and the leotard was a star! For street performers, the leotard became a symbol of confidence and creative energy. From the iconic Michael Jackson to breakdancers spinning and flipping in bold designs, leotards were truly everywhere. I found myself drawn to an awesome street dance crew in Soho, London. Their leotards were a mishmash of prints, with dazzling neon stripes and bold polka dots – pure joy!
Ballet in 1989:
I simply had to see a show! Ballet in 1989 was all about innovation. Choreographers were experimenting with modern styles and edgy techniques. One of the most popular ballets in the world at the time was "The Sleeping Beauty." This classic tale was brought to life with extravagant costumes and stunning stage sets. It was at the Royal Opera House in London that I witnessed an exceptional production of this timeless masterpiece! I have to admit, those leotards were gorgeous, flowy, and oh so romantic, a real contrast to the bolder street style!
Where the Fashion Was Happening:
London was buzzing with dance and theatre in those days! The Sadler’s Wells Theatre hosted an array of exciting performances, while Covent Garden was teeming with creativity, with buskers, street performers, and everything in between. As for shopping, my leotard heart leaped for joy at "The Body Shop"! The vibrant colours, fun, and fresh scents drew me in, as I imagined a dance floor awash in their colours! I could just see these bold palettes becoming the new trend in the dance studios of London.
Leotard Memories from 1989:
My travels through the 9th of September, 1989 were filled with vibrancy and colour, and of course, an abundance of amazing leotard style! I saw how fashion was intertwined with creativity, how it gave expression to individual style, and how it brought people together in their shared love for dance. I loved the sense of freedom and artistic expression that shone through the leotard fashion of this time period, the carefree confidence of the people sporting these outfits - the bright neon colors were just infectious. The energy, the dynamism - I took it all in.
And my fellow time travelers, the world still needs more pink tutus! That's my motto. Whether you're in 1989 or the year 2023, every single one of you deserves to spin in a fluffy pink tutu, feeling like a princess, a fairy, or just like yourselves. The world is a better place with a sprinkle of pink! See you on the next pink tutu journey, darlings.
XOXO, Emma
(Check out www.pink-tutu.com to read more time travel adventures with Emma! Remember to look out for her new street ballet performances in your town, and who knows, you might even find yourself travelling through time with her! )
